Sports Themed Belts and Method of Construction

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a sports themed pants belt and method of construction, comprising an elongated length of material, belt buckle, belt end, and belt keeper. The length of material comprises a first and second end, while the belt material is one derived from or covered by the outer covering of the athletic ball of the sports theme. The belt first end connects to the belt buckle, which includes an outward surface having a sports character, team logo or similar indicia thereon related to the overall theme. The belt keeper is further related to the overall theme, providing a view of the field of play or specific equipment of the sport, while the belt second end terminates at a representation of the related sports ball. Several embodiments are disclosed, the goal being to utilize the sports athletic gear and equipment for the given sport as a means to construct the belt.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/530,722 filed on Sep. 2, 2011, entitled “Bud Belts.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to belts and belt buckles. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a themed belt and accompanying belt buckle and a method of construction, wherein the themes are generally sports related and all elements of the belt are in accordance with the overall theme.

It is well understood that many young children and adults enjoy and closely follow sports teams throughout the year and indeed throughout their lives. It is common for fans to wear sports gear and clothing that is linked to their sport of interest and even their team of choice, usually related to their geographic home area or sometimes for reasons of simple preference for one team or sport over another. Sports merchandise and associated team sales of clothing articles is a large segment within the sports and fashion world in terms of overall sales and revenue. Most articles of clothing include stylish and team-directed shirts, pants, hats and other articles of clothing that include a specific logo, indicia and supporting colors. The present invention pertains to an article of clothing that comprises a construction that is directed to a specific sports or sport team theme, wherein the wearer is able to show his affiliation for a specific team or for a type of sport of his or her interest. Specifically, the present invention is a belt having a central theme and a construction that is readily recognizable with the gear, equipment or memorabilia of the sport being displayed.

Belt construction is a well known art in the field of clothing articles, and includes different means of belt buckle construction, belt materials and styles, and means of attaching outward adornments. Most belts include an elongated strap of material having a first and second end that are adapted to adjustably join around the waist of a user, allowing the user to maintain his or her pant position and further provide an apparel accessory that is suited for their outfit or their tastes. Sports fans are always looking for unique ways to show their passion and enthusiasm for their favorite sports, teams, and players. The present invention is therefore submitted as a new and useful belt device and construction, wherein the elements of the belt are common to a theme, such as a specific sport, team or individual player. The elements of the belt, notably the buckle, belt material, the belt ends and the belt keeper are all targeted to a specific theme that is instantaneously recognizable as being directed to the them and being derived from related equipment for that theme.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to belts and belt construction. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications, and those related to the present invention generally include those belts having a specific style of buckle that allows attachment of an adornment that updates the style of the belt. The present invention, by contrast, provides a unique belt construction and means of personalizing the belt for the user and directing it to a specific theme, including sport categories, sports teams and even players. The forgoing is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,839 Ford is one such device that discloses a novelty belt item combining a user belt and a buckle adapted to support a toy item. The belt comprises a band having a pair of ends, a first end having a buckle and a second end having a member secure thereto. The buckle comprises an outer surface having hook and loop fastener material thereon for releasably securing a toy having corresponding hook and loop material thereon, wherein the toy may comprise a wheeled motor vehicle. The toy provides an adornment to the belt that is interchangeable with different style or shaped toys. The toy can further be removed when desired to operate as a conventional amusement device for the user. While disclosing a belt novelty item, the Ford device is limited to securing toys having a hook and loop fastening surface as a means of attachment. The present invention is related to a new type of user belt that is styled in accordance with a specific sport or theme, wherein the buckle, keeper, belt end member and the belt itself are all directed to the overall theme and include specific materials in the method of construction relating to the theme.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,188 to Kohli is another device that discloses a theme belt buckle having a means to accept a themed insert having an outer decorative surface, wherein the surface includes indicia directed to a sports emblem, insignia, initials or any further marking or design desired by the belt user. The buckle includes an outer portion that forms a channel open at its sides to slidingly receive the decorative surface. The undersurface of the insert and the buckle include interchangeable detent elements for releasably retaining the insert within the buckle channel. Similar to the Ford disclosure, the Kohli device provides a belt buckle that accepts or otherwise connects to an adornment that changes the exterior appearance of the belt buckle. The present invention does not contemplate a means of changing its appearance, but rather discloses a themed belt set to a specific sport or theme, wherein the buckle, keeper, belt end and belt material all play a role in expressing the central theme.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,680 to Abbondandolo discloses a belt buckle having a male connector and an action figure having a corresponding female connector along its back surface to join the two elements at the buckle location. The action figures may pertain to a specific class of figures, such as sports, wrestling or action figure. The female connector comprises a circular groove formed within a connection socket, while the male connector comprises an elongated member having a peripheral and exterior ring, along with a slit to provide spring action when engaged with the female connector. The Abbondandolo device discloses a belt for supporting an action figure and fails to disclose the novel aspects or structure of the present invention.

The present invention provides a new and novel pants belt construction derived from and directed to a specific sports theme. The belt includes elements drawn from the athletic gear utilized in the sport, while adornments such as the buckle, keeper and belt end are clear indications of the specific sport or sports team of interest to the user. It is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing themed belt devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of pants belts now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new themed belt and method of construction, wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when showing the user's sport or sport team of interest, including the use of elements from the given sport in the belt construction.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved pants belt device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a pants belt device that comprises a central theme, wherein the elements that compose the belt are directed to and derived from that theme while providing utility as a pants belt.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pants belt device having a sports theme that includes a construction derived from the equipment, gear or memorabilia of the given sport.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pants belt device that includes a length of material forming the belt, a belt buckle, keeper, and belt end having a structure that is directed to the given theme.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a pants belt device that allows personalization and representation of the wearer's sport preferences, including display of the sport itself, a specific team, league, or organization, whereby the wearer's affiliation is thereby shown.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a baseball belt embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a view of an embodiment of the baseball belt buckle.

FIG. 3 shows a view of an embodiment of the baseball belt buckle.

FIG. 4 shows rear view of an embodiment of the belt buckle.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a football belt embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a basketball belt embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a golf belt embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a soccer belt embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the sports themed pants belt. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for displaying a wearer's preferred sport or sports team and further for disclosing a novel means of sports belt construction. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the sports themed belt of the present invention. The device of the present invention is a pants belt comprising an elongated section of material 12 forming the belt length, a belt buckle 13, a belt end 15 and a belt end keeper 14. The belt material includes a first and second end, the first end connecting to the belt buckle 13 and the second end 13 being adapted to pass through the belt buckle for retaining its position in defined loop, as is customary with pants belts. The buckle comprises a belt engagement means and an outward surface, along which a character, logo or indicia may be presented. The keeper 14 is desired to retain a loose end 15 of the belt against the user once it has passed through the buckle 13. Finally, the belt end 15 provides a termination for the belt opposing the buckle end and a means to further adorn the belt.

Overall, the present invention is a pants belt that revolves around a central theme, wherein the elements of the belt are all directed to the theme and the construction of the belt is further derived from aspects of the theme. In a preferred embodiment, the belt is one that is directed to a sports theme, wherein the belt material 12, the buckle 13, keeper 14 and belt end 15 are all related to a specific sport, sports team, organization, or player in the sports world. Several embodiments are contemplated using this concept and are herein disclosed as a novel means of belt construction and particular device utilized in supporting a user's pants while donned.

In a particular embodiment, the theme of the belt is baseball, a specific baseball team, league or particular baseball player. FIGS. 1 through 3 disclose varying embodiments of the baseball themed belt 11 of the present invention, whereby the belt buckle 13 is one having an outer face adorned with a baseball character or FIG. 20 in action. This player resembles a generic player, a particular team or a particular player, while the action of the player may include different aspects of the game of baseball. FIG. 1 shows a player pitching a baseball, FIG. 2 shows an embodiment where a player is swinging a baseball bat, and finally FIG. 3 shows a combination of a pitcher, catcher and batter in action. In furtherance of the baseball theme, it is contemplated that the belt end keeper 14 may take the shape and design of a baseball diamond or baseball field, or further a specific baseball stadium or logo. The keeper is a closed-loop element that accepts the belt end 15 therethrough after it has passed through the buckle 13, securing its free length. Finally, the belt end 15 may further be adorned with an article from the game, preferably the game ball of the particular sport.

In a particular distinction and departure from pure design aspects of the belt elements, and one that particularly solidifies the belt as being derived from the given sport, the belt material 12 is one that is wrapped or otherwise formed from the game ball of the particular sport. In the baseball embodiment, the belt material is one that is wrapped or comprised purely of a baseball cover, which is normally a two-piece structure sewn together around the outer surface of the baseball interior core material. As seen in FIGS. 1 through 3 and particularly highlighted in FIG. 1, the material is the baseball leather or plastic material. This material may be cut from a particular starting material to be formed of sufficient width to comprise the entire belt cross section, or alternatively the material may be used to wrap a core material to form the belt structure. For additional adornment, a central slit or seam 19 is made along the belt length, which is sewn together using the red yarn 18 from a baseball, or a replica material thereof. The yarn 18 is placed through apertures alongside the slit and passed through the slit and through a corresponding aperture on the opposing side of the slit, whereby the yarn crosses and closes the slit in a manner known in sewing and in baseball construction. The boundary upper and lower edges of the belt may further include stitching if the baseball material is utilized to cover a core material.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a backside view of an embodiment of the belt contemplated for use with the present invention. It is not desired to limit the present invention to a particular style buckle or clasp, but rather to disclose a working embodiment that fulfills the needs and intent of the sports theme. In this particular embodiment, the buckle 13 comprise a forward surface adapted to support or include an indicia, scene, logo or adornment related to the theme, while the backside of the buckle includes a means to accept the belt 21 and secure 22 the belt into a static and defined radius for use by the wearer. The securing element 22 is accepted through a belt hole aperture along the length of the belt, which is commonly known in the art of belts and clothing. The outer perimeter edge 23 may take a number of different designs, falling within the scope of the present invention and the desired belt theme, including a broad belt to provide a wide frontal surface palette, or alternatively a specifically shaped edge 23 to form a sports logo.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a football-themed pants belt 31 of the present invention. In this embodiment, as with the baseball embodiment, the belt comprises a length of material 12 forming a belt structure. The belt length includes a first and second end, the first end having a belt buckle 13 and keeper element, the second end being opposed to the first and having a belt end element 15. The buckle 13 is one having an outward surface or shape in the theme of football, wherein a player FIG. 20, team, league or player number is presented on the buckle related to the sport of American football. The shape of the buckle 13 may further take the form of a logo of the sport, ball or a specific team. The keeper element 14 is preferably in the shape of a field goal uprights, wherein a first and second parallel member are joined together by a third, central member forming field goal posts and a ground support shape. The end member 15 is preferably in the shape of the football game ball, and finally the belt material 12 itself is comprised in-part or wholly from the material of a football. This material is a leather or leather compound having surface texture that is readily recognizable as being derived from a football covering. As with the baseball embodiment 11, the football embodiment 31 contemplates the belt material 12 being either a thickened game ball material or a belt core material wrapped in the game ball material.

Referring now to FIG. 6 through FIG. 8 show further embodiments of the present sports belt and varying construction therefor. Specifically, a basketball embodiment 41, golf embodiment 51 and a soccer embodiment 61 are shown. It is contemplated that many other sports may be manufactured within the scope of the present sports theme construction; however it is desired here to disclose working variations that embody the central concept of the present invention: construction a pants belt with a common sports theme, wherein a buckle, belt end, belt end keeper and the belt material are all related and/or derived from the sport being themed. For the basketball embodiment, a player 20, logo, team or league is shown on the buckle 13, while the keeper element 14 is a basketball hoop, the belt end is the game ball 15 and the belt material 12 is one derived from the actual basketball outer covering. Similar in nature is the golf 51 and soccer 61 embodiment, wherein the belt end is the game ball 15, the belt material 12 is derived from the game ball, the buckle shows a unique figure, logo or symbol of the sport or league, and finally the keeper element is a unique element that shows its relation to the themed sport. Specifically, the golf 51 keeper element 14 is a pin flag and the soccer 61 keeper element 14 is a soccer goal.

The construction of the present pants belt involves the key aspects that comprise the belt: the belt length material, the buckle, a belt end and a belt end keeper element. The belt material is a covered section of material, wherein the cover is the outer surface of the themed game ball. Alternatively, the belt material is a thickened version thereof, wherein the belt is a unitary structure having an outer texture of the game ball and a thickness sufficient for use as a rugged pants belt. The belt length may further include different adornments, as presented in the baseball embodiment, such as the sports ball lacing, stitching or other suitable details that may further create a ready association of the belt to the specific sport being themed. The present belt structure and method of construction allow fans to show their favorite sport or support their favorite sports teams while also wearing a functional and stylish accessory. The device resembles a leather belt that can be worn around the waist to hold up a wearer's pants. The belt comes in a variety of sport themes, including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, golf and any other sport having a game ball. Athletes' images, jersey numbers, and a depiction of the sport can be featured on the belt, while the actual belt is derived from the sport gear. Sport fans will appreciate the enthusiasm and practicality afforded by the belt.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1) A sports themed belt, comprising: elongated section of material forming a belt length, said section having a first and second end; said first end connecting to a belt buckle adapted to accept said belt second end therethrough and secure said length into a closed loop; a belt keeper element adapted to accept said belt second end after said second end is passed through said buckle; said belt having a specific sports theme, wherein said belt buckle, belt material and said belt keeper are directed to said theme. 2) The device of claim 1, wherein said belt second end terminates at a belt end element having a design directed to said theme. 3) The device of claim 1, wherein said belt buckle further comprises an outer surface having a sports character, logo or further indicia related to said theme. 4) The device of claim 1, wherein said belt buckle further comprises a peripheral edge in the shape of a sports character, logo or further indicia related to said theme. 5) The device of claim 1, wherein said belt material is one derived from said themed sport game ball material covering. 6) The device of claim 1, wherein said belt material is one resembling said themed sport game ball material covering. 7) The device of claim 1, wherein said belt material is one covered by said themed sport game ball material covering. 8) The device of claim 1, wherein said belt material is one covered by one resembling said themed sport game ball material covering. 9) The device of claim 1, wherein said belt end element is in the shape of said themed sport game ball. 10) The device of claim 1, wherein said belt material length further comprises a seam adornment associated with said themed sport game ball. 11) A method of manufacturing a sports themed belt, comprising the steps of: constructing a pants belt using an elongated section of material forming a belt length, a belt buckle adapted to secure said belt into a closed loop, and a belt keeper element; directing said belt material, buckle, and keeper element to a specific sports theme; forming said belt length material from a material derived from or replicating said themed sport game ball material covering. 12) The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: forming said belt material by covering a core belt material with said themed sport game ball material covering or a replica material thereof. 13) The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: forming said belt material from a said themed sport game ball material covering or a replica material thereof. 14) The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: creating a seam adornment along said belt material length using material associated with said themed sport game ball. 15) The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: terminating said belt end using a belt end element having a design directed to said theme. 